Audiobooks read by the author
“Best memoir you've listened to, read by the author?”
30 answers from 28 people · Updated Sep 25, 2026
Some Books should be Audiobooks
5 recs
Memoirs read by the author >>>>> Click the link for ratings and more of what I'm reading, or more in-depth reviews on IG
the stories, the accent, its absolutely incredible. almost 10 years old now and its still the first audiobook that comes to mind—and i read (listen) to a loooooot of audiobooks.
53
I'm Glad My Mom Died (Jennette McCurdy)
It is incredibly heavy but her reading it really is better than reading it myself.
7
A moving (albeit heavy) memoir by Chanel Miller, someone we all should know. She's a survivor, and her willingness to write and share this book is proof of that. This book is heavy (check TWs). Narrated by Chanel herself, there is no other way to take in her story.
Kitchen Confidential (Anthony Bourdain)
the perfect non-fiction book you MUST listen to the audiobook
1
This was the book that got me into audiobooks. My jaw dropped 100 times. I could talk about this book for an hour. Jessica Simpson had a fascinating time in the spotlight and hearing her stories in her voice made it better.
23
At the end of the audiobook, I had strongly considered adding her as my emergency contact.
42
Broken Horses (Brandi Carlile)
The audiobook version is interspersed with her song recordings- her own and her covers of Leonard, Dolly Parton and more.
1
how to murder your life by cat marnell
she’s crazy but she’s FREE! her memoir details her… turbulent upbringing/working as a beauty editor in nyc/drug use. she goes through really dark stuff but her creativity and dreams get her through everything… she also narrates the audiobook herself and i enjoyed it greatly
21
memoir • unprotected by billy porter
listen to the audio version
You’re On A Plane - a “me”-moir in her words. I love listening to this book. Her voice is fabulous and she takes you on a magical journey. Cleverly, the premise is you are sitting next to Parker Posey on a plane and she is telling you the story of her life. I have listened to this book a half dozen times it’s so entertaining - good for long car rides or even a plane ;)
4
Be Ready When the Luck Happens (Ina Garten)
I love memoirs and this is an unexpected favorite. Again recommend the audiobook because she reads it in her own voice. I loved her show but the most interesting parts of this book to me weren’t about her career. Her and Jeffrey’s relationship navigation, her relationship with her parents and the thought process she has around not having kids were interesting to learn about her.
1
Another one where the author reads the book and gripped!
Role Models by John Waters (audiobook version)
Each chapter is about a different person he admires or is fascinated by. Took me a minute to get into it (I was very nervous when I saw that one of the Manson girls was the focus of a chapter) but once I was in, I was in. He has what I can only describe as a very cozy voice.
3
It is a call and response of his life in his own memory and then via the memory of others read by him - feels perfect for him to read both perspectives back to back to you the reader.
3
Everything Sam Irby writes me lol and it's even better when she's reading it to you. Also love her on substack https://bitchesgottaeat.substack.com/
5
This book is just SUCH a joy to listen to in audiobook form, far greatr than to read--it's like sitting down with Kate the Great herself adn hearing all her incredible stories.
65
How to end a story Helen Garner
Memoir / diary about the end of her relationship to another writer . Brilliant uncensored writing. I listened to the audiobook which she reads herself
1
I'm Laughing Because I'm Crying: A Memoir (Youngmi Mayer)
Loved this memoir! Listened to the audio book, which is read by the author. You can get autographed and personalized copies from the author's website. Youngmi Mayer also has a Substack that you should most definitely follow.
I love a memoir read by the author, and this one seems like it could be 90s Gen-X Hollywood fan fic. So many famous co-star makeouts and nepo baby friends. Top tier insider gossip.
I would listen to the dulcet voice of Beyoncé and Solange’s Texan mom while hitting a tennis ball against a wall for hours last summer 😄
Any of Nora Ephron’s Audiobooks that She Actually Narrates
But especially whichever book has the essay about Helen Gurley Brown.
1
Fran Lebowitz Reader, read by the author
Like a Triple A collection of podcast episodes that are actually good. Bonus Points when the audiobook is discussing charts or images in the book you can’t see! Even worth a Relisten!
52
Every Man for Himself and God Against All: A Memoir
Seriously not a dull moment in the wonderful memoir by Werner Herzog. From his mother running and grabbing him from his crib after their apartment was bomber in Germany and fleeing live in a barn in Bavaria to the day he met Klaus Kinski as a teenager in a bombed out building turned boarding house post war -- Werner's retelling of his life is peak Herzogian narration -- he narrates the audiobook as well, what could be better?
6
Not My Father’s Son by Alan Cumming
You love him from the traitors but did you know about his absolutely insane father?!??!? Alan is one of my personal heroes and this book will show you why
The Kid Stays in the Picture (Robert Evans)
If you’re interested in the movie business, the 1970s, and larger than life characters, you should listen to this memoir.
2
All of Phoebe Robinson’s books
Must listens in Phoebe Robinson’s one-of-a-kind comedic voice for the abbreves (and their explanations) alone.
51
I haven’t been in a mood to listen to an audiobook memoir lately but I have heard legend of this one. So much so that I’m kind of afraid to listen because my expectations are now so high.
2
